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Original poster

Fjällräven Kånken classic backpack... disappointing

99 replies

JaffaCake70 · 14/05/2023 19:02

I've wanted a Fjällräven Kånken backpack for aaaages

Someone has recently bought one for me as a gift and I have to say for the price of it (£95) I really don't think it's very good quality. I do like it, I like the look of it, it's a good shape and size but I'm slightly underwhelmed with it.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but it just seems flimsy and the stitching looks a bit, well, not particularly well finished. It just feels and looks cheaply made.

I'm very grateful for the gift and thanked the person profusely for buying something they knew I'd wanted for a long time, and I will use it every day for work. I'm just a bit disappointed with the quality of it as I think £95 is quite expensive for a small backpack.

Has anyone else bought one and thought the same?

I'm also interested to know if you've made any purchases or had gifts bought for you that you've felt a similar way about? Paid a lot but been less than impressed with the quality.

I've attached a pic of said backpack, not that you can really gauge much about the quality of the item from the pic.

Fjällräven Kånken classic backpack... disappointing
OP posts:
crazycadetmum · 14/05/2023 19:11

I've wanted one too but today in the shop I looked at one and like you thought it was flimsy for £95..I still like the look of it but would be loathe to pay that much money for it.

baffledcoconut · 14/05/2023 19:12

They are a load of crap. Long given up on mine. Was flimsy and poorly designed. Like you I’d always wanted one and was sorely disappointed.

NuffSaidSam · 14/05/2023 19:14

Whenever you see someone with one they always look about 50 years old/falling apart. It can't be the case every single one you see is that old or well used, I think they just wear terribly because they're dreadful quality.

TheChosenTwo · 14/05/2023 19:15

I’ve got one. Well, it was dds old school bag that got used as the family travel rucksack and now I use it for the commute to hold my laptop and paperwork.
it’s fine - does what I need a bag to do. Quality is alright, it’s a canvas (??) bag at the end of the day, I’m not expecting it to be more than it is.
it’s comfortable for my back problems and it’s been going strong for about 5 years. Every now and then I take the inserts out and thrown it in the washing machine, comes out fine.

Kablea · 14/05/2023 19:16

I’ve used mine nearly everyday for 5yrs and also used as a changing bag. I love mine, no signs of wear (except for a bit of grubbiness). I really like it, can fit so much in and much more comfortable and lightweight than others I’ve tried.

AgathaMystery · 14/05/2023 19:17

I think I’ve had mine about 7yrs - used daily and properly thrown about. Yes it’s grubby but it’s still working perfectly.

gymwars · 14/05/2023 19:18

Is it possible it's a fake? I've never had one but I did read that there's lots of fake ones for sale online.

pewtypie · 14/05/2023 19:18

I picked up a job lot of genuine ones for £5 each. I gifted one to all the kids in my family and sold the rest on eBay for £50 each.

Kept one for myself but don't use it much, as it has just the one main compartment. My usual backpack has 10 compartments.

mrsrobin · 14/05/2023 19:20

I am surprised to hear the quality doesn't sound good. I have some fleeces and trousers of the same make and the quality of them is fantastic.

Rewis · 14/05/2023 19:21

I have the bigger one and I love it. I use it everyday and have for 6 years. It also fits to ryanair baggage allowance so I've done many trips with it. It is expensive and I'm sure there are tons that are equally good or bette. But I'm very happy with mine!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 14/05/2023 19:26

My DD got one years ago , probably 6+ years, I was Shock at the price but the quality is great . She then got a bigger one , quality good again.

I was thinking 'is it a fake'? there's some info online on what to look for .

Original poster
JaffaCake70 · 14/05/2023 19:31

gymwars · 14/05/2023 19:18

Is it possible it's a fake? I've never had one but I did read that there's lots of fake ones for sale online.

It was purchased from the official website.

OP posts:
TeenLifeMum · 14/05/2023 19:33

Dd has one and it’s nice but I do think the price doesn’t match the quality. It’s not bad quality but comparable bags are cheaper.

beeskipa · 14/05/2023 19:35

God, they've gone up in price!

I love mine - I've had it about 5 years and although I probably shouldn't have picked yellow (it doesn't wash as well), it still looks pretty good when washed and I use it 3x a week for work. Fits my laptop, my lunch and all my stuff in, so I love it.

I was on holiday last year in a country that sells lots of knock-offs - bought 3 knock-off ones in different colours, they're definitely not as hard-wearing.

Original poster
JaffaCake70 · 14/05/2023 19:35

TeenLifeMum · 14/05/2023 19:33

Dd has one and it’s nice but I do think the price doesn’t match the quality. It’s not bad quality but comparable bags are cheaper.

My previous backpack is Converse, it cost a lot less and is much better quality.

OP posts:
flowertoday · 14/05/2023 19:37

I have just bought a Fancy Forest Kalidi rucksack - same style , much cheaper and nice quality. Would recommend

adulthumanfemalemum · 14/05/2023 19:37

My daughter insisted on getting one for a school bag. The straps are very thin and flimsy compared to the padded rucksack straps she had before and it wasn't really suitable for carrying heavy books as it would dig into your shoulders.

flowertoday · 14/05/2023 19:41

https://amzn.eu/d/fEWNIpT
This one

Floralie · 14/05/2023 19:41

Yeah I don't find them overly good quality for the price either, you're paying a fair amount at least for the label (I had one so I was just as lured in). I've found Fable backpacks to be beautiful and good quality, and Vans which come in loads of designs.

AllegraWalterJones · 14/05/2023 19:41

It seems to be quite common for brands to cut corners once they've got a following... not lowering the price at all.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 14/05/2023 19:42

I've been lusting after one for ages

Floralie · 14/05/2023 19:43

Oh and also yes I've done this with a Mulberry bag. I bought one second hand a while ago and it was excellent quality, treated myself to one new a few years later and the quality was no way near as good. Just another brand that builds a following as PP says and then cuts corners and relies on their reputation to keep them going.

BloodandGlitter · 14/05/2023 19:45

I've got a fake one from ebay I paid about £18 for 5 years ago and I've used it constantly for everything and it's in perfect condition. Goes in the washing machine and comes out lovely. No rips, no wear, no problems. I appreciate I probably got lucky but I couldn't afford full price and fell in love with the design.

Hedonism · 14/05/2023 19:45

Mine is fraying inside. It's only about 2 years old (I have used it regularly but it hadn't had a hard life). Not impressed, for the price.

Original poster
JaffaCake70 · 14/05/2023 19:46

AllegraWalterJones · 14/05/2023 19:41

It seems to be quite common for brands to cut corners once they've got a following... not lowering the price at all.

This is exactly what I've just said to my Husband. His Daughter has one that she bought 6 years ago and it seems to be of superior quality to mine.

OP posts:
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